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Welcome to USCMA. We are a national alliance of individuals and organizations dedicated to the mission Jesus entrusted to his followers.

In virtue of their baptism, all the members of the People of God have become missionary disciples. (Pope Francis, Joy of the Gospel, 120)

What does it mean to be dedicated to mission? It means that we listen for the ways we are being called to go beyond ourselves, to move outside of our comfort zone, to cross some type of border, to risk a personal encounter with a stranger, and to do so for the common good.

This reminds me of Mr. Waters. Here is the situation. We have a dinner program at our parish and we serve meals to the homeless – mostly older (over 40) men, many who only speak Spanish. We have a special meal at Thanksgiving and we give out name tags – so people can call each other by their name.

I would help some of the guys write their name – Jose, Carlos, George, Maria. Just first names – just enough to be welcoming but not too much information in a day an age when immigration status is a pressing issue.

“What your name?” I asked. “Why?” he asked. “Just so we can call you by name.” “Mr. Waters,” “Most people just give their first name.” “Mr. Waters,” he said. I looked at him in the eye. Some type of connection happened. I wrote out “Mr. Waters” on the name tag, gave it to him, and said “Welcome Mr. Waters. We are glad you are here.” I shook his hand.

There was a moment – when he repeated his name – that I was tempted to “impose” our agenda on him rather than accept him for he who was, who he needed to be, in that moment. By the grace of God, I accepted Mr. Waters – I encountered him, and his story, and his claim to dignity – and I honored it and he honored me by shaking my hand.

Mission is being purified of its imperialism. It is going back to its essential roots – of encounter, dwelling, accompaniment, and mutuality. All of us are called to mission – and it opens possibilities for our parish, city, country and world.

USCMA is here for you. We want to hear about mission in your life and share the journey of mission with you. Join us and we will accompany one another in mission.